This miniature copper boot was found hidden within a wall in Devizes in 1893, and was possibly a token placed there for good luck. The practice of placing shoes or boots within walls and lofts may well be an echo of prehistoric ritual “foundation sacrifice or offering", where an object of value or a living creature (maybe even a human) was walled up as an offering, to placate the gods and preserve the building. Artefact now in the Wiltshire Museum collections.

Artefact of the Month

Artefacts found in Wiltshire can be particularly interesting and stunning. We will upload images of artefacts that we think are inspiring each month.